Latest news | 23 Jun 2022

Gymnastics Australia announces new collaboration with Butterfly Foundation

Gymnastics Australia is excited to announce a collaboration with Butterfly Foundation, the national charity supporting for Australians experiencing body image concerns and eating disorders.

Butterfly Foundation, through its education programs, treatment services, advocacy and resources help people better understand body image and promote the importance of being inclusive and respectful of all bodies.

Gymnastics Australia Chief Executive Officer, Alexandra Ash is excited about the opportunity that the partnership will play in empowering and educating our community about how we can be inclusive of all bodies and help us to drive the message that ‘every body is unique.’

“Gymnastics Australia is thrilled to be partnering with Butterfly Foundation to educate our community on the serious long-term physical and mental issues that can arise from the way bodies are talked about and treated in gymnastics in Australia,” said Alexandra.

“Working with Butterfly, we want to re-write the narrative and equip our members with the tools and strategies which foster an environment where every body is cared for, nourished and empowered to achieve their potential in an environment that is fun, safe and inclusive for all.”

Speaking about the partnership, Butterfly Foundation CEO Kevin Barrow, said “Butterfly is pleased to be partnering with Gymnastics Australia to support some of the work they doing to promote positive body image within the sport. Body image issues, which can lead to eating disorders and many other mental health challenges, are prevalent in many sports. It’s encouraging to see Gymnastics Australia taking this important first step.”

-ENDS- 

Media Contact 

Alex Cowen, Communications Manager 

alex.cowen@butterfly.org.au 

0497 008 716 

 

Editor and producers note: Please include the following support line details in all media coverage of this story and refer to the Mindframe Media guidelines for safe reporting on eating disorders. Please include the following helpline message. 

Help and Support 

Anyone needing support with eating disorders or body image issues is encouraged to contact: 

  • Butterfly National Helpline on 1800 33 4673 (1800 ED HOPE) or support@butterfly.org.au   
  • Eating Disorders Victoria Helpline on 1300 550 23 
  • For urgent support call Lifeline 13 11 14 

Our Helpline is a free, safe, and confidential service providing counselling, support groups, information, and referrals to health professionals around Australia screened for an understanding of eating disorders. All Butterfly National Helpline counsellors are qualified mental health professionals with specialist training in eating disorders and body image.